Jets’ Rex: Tebow Could Step In At Running Back Against Patriots

Tim Tebow runs for a first down against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Tim Tebow runs for a first down against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Rex Ryan says it’s “a possibility” do-it-all backup quarterback Tim Tebow could see time at running back for the Jets on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

The Jets are a bit short-handed at the position with backups Joe McKnight (sprained left ankle) and Bilal Powell (separated right shoulder) likely out for the game. That leaves only starter Shonn Greene and rookie Jonathan Grimes, who has yet to play, as the team’s only running backs. Lex Hilliard is the remaining fullback after the Jets waived John Conner on Wednesday.

“The thing about Tim, with him being a football player like we’ve always talked about, by playing quarterback he knows all the positions and so, can you plug him in at running back? Can you plug him in at tight end, whatever? I think the answer is yes,” said Ryan.

“You start with his skill set, but his skill set would be more based on power,” said Ryan. “He’s not going to be a blazer compared to other running backs. He’s got power.”

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday that Tebow is “really another running back for them.”

“It’s not like we’re going to put (cornerback Antonio) Cromartie back there,” said Ryan.

Is Rex crazy like a fox or just plain crazy? Be heard in the comments below…

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)